In Madrid, the fight against pollution is intensifying with the implementation of new emissions control devices. The so-called emissions radars, although more correctly called emissions measurement systems, have arrived to ensure that vehicles circulating in the city comply with established environmental standards.
These devices, strategically distributed in the city, have the main objective of reducing the emission of polluting gases and thus contributing to improving air quality in the capital.
From the Madrid City Council, it is confirmed that there are currently three emissions measurement stations in operation in the city. These stations, operated by mobility agents, carry out a rapid and precise analysis of the pollution levels emitted by diesel, gasoline and LPG vehicles that travel through the streets and highways of Madrid.
A sensor placed in the exhaust pipe allows the levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, hexane equivalent and oxygen to be evaluated in just five seconds.
These devices are implemented with the objective of controlling and reducing polluting emissions, which is the main source of atmospheric pollution in the city.
In the words of the delegate of the Urban Planning Area, Borja Carabante, “with these devices we know the real emissions of a vehicle and we facilitate the work of Mobility Agents in their work as guarantors of respect for the environment.”
Drivers whose vehicles exceed the established emissions limits will not be penalized immediately, but will be required to undergo a Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) within a maximum period of one month.
If they do not comply with this obligation, they may be sanctioned with fines ranging between 750 and 3,000 euros, as stipulated by the Air Quality and Sustainability Ordinance.
Since July 2021, Mobility Agents have reported a total of 998 vehicles for exceeding the permitted limits. These actions are part of the Madrid 360 environmental sustainability strategy, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of road traffic and comply with the air quality standards established by the European Union.
